The 18-month-old dog, who is currently looking for a new home, was born deaf with severe cataracts in both eyes, making him almost entirely blind.

Dodger’s story hit the headlines last year after a video was posted online of him being beaten by his owner. The RSPCA came to the rescue and his owner was prosecuted for animal cruelty and banned from keeping dogs for 15 years.

Following the rescue, the RSPCA sought advice from the Animal Health Trust about Dodger’s sight problems. Dodger has now had two eye operations and the initial signs are very good.

Kirstyn Gaunt, deputy manager at the RSPCA Block Fen Animal Centre, where Dodger is currently staying, said: “He is just such a loveable character, and when it was discovered he was deaf and unable to see clearly, we wanted to do all we could to give him a second chance. We were all in tears when we heard the AHT could carry out the operation for him and give him the gift of sight again – we are so extremely grateful to them for their help.”

Dodger has proved very popular with the vets. Claudia Hartley of the AHT said: “Dodger is the most adorable dog. As soon as he arrived I fell in love with him and it wasn’t long before he’d worked his charm on the rest of the vets and nurses here!”

Now that he is recovering from his ordeal, Dodger is looking for a special owner to take care of him. Although he can now see, he is still deaf, so his new owner will need to be sensitive to his needs.

Kirstyn Gaunt is hopeful for Dodger’s future, saying: “We know that somewhere out there is the perfect home for him, where he will be able to enjoy a fantastic life with a loving family.”

Anyone interested in giving Dodger a home can contact the RSPCA’s Block Fen Animal Centre on 0300 123 0726 or bfasm@rspca.org.uk